Final answer:
The NRA had a controversial image by the 1990s due to its staunch defense of the Second Amendment and opposition to gun control laws, which polarized opinions even among gun owners.
Step-by-step explanation:
By the 1990s, the National Rifle Association (NRA) had developed a controversial image, even among gun owners. Initially focused on improving marksmanship, by the 1960s the organization began advocating for law and order. However, with the NRA's support of the 1968 Gun Control Act, internal disagreements arose. After electing new leaders in 1977, the NRA intensified its dedication to the Second Amendment and actively opposed legislation restricting the sale or distribution of guns and ammunition. Despite frequent negative coverage in major newspapers, the NRA used such media portrayals to rally its members and promote solidarity.
The public's attitude towards gun control has been surprisingly stable, even following mass shootings. The NRA garners support by rating politicians on their gun rights records and mobilizes members through the effective use of media and strategic political endorsements. While federal and state gun laws continued to evolve, the NRA's influence remained significant, and its stance on gun control became increasingly polarizing among Americans, including gun owners themselves.